Pure Joy

There is something pure, organic, and contagious about a child who smiles and laughs for no tangible reason. Last night I realized the gift of joy in the widened smile, squinted eyes [ you know when you laugh to hard to see] , and high-pitched giggle of a dear sweet FIAT sister. I had been debating whether I would be able to make it to this COR night gathering of our FIAT sisters and FRATERNUS brothers [ if you have no clue what I'm talking about, ask me about it!]. Somehow God made sure that I made my way to Cathedral that evening, and for good reason.

The night began with sweet embraces with the many of the young brothers and sisters that we haven't seen since the beginning of the summer. Once we said our hellos, we all ate pizza and delighted in an ever-so-rich-in -sugar cake. Amidst having a heart-to-heart with a FIAT sister, and celebrating a dear friend's recent marriage, we were able to marinate in the soothing voice of our talented friend Rebecca Roubion [ google her, if you haven't already]. Afterwards, the true spirit and joy of the FIAT girls was illustrated by an unstoppable desire to dance, and giggle, and dance some more. The music that was playing over the speakers was none other than L'Angelus. Well this surely got the joyful dancing started, so much so that we all randomly started to "perform" with our air instruments (the fiddle/ violin/ guitar...anything our hearts desired). And the young ones began performing, with microphones, to songs that they knew every word to.

The greatest joy of the night, however, was laughing with one of the FIAT girls who was in our small group this year. I'm not sure that I can tell you what we were laughing about, but it was one of those moments when you realize that you and another sweet soul can appreciate the experience of joyful laughter without needing a reason. She is normally very quiet, and to be able to share in several minutes of laughing, dancing, smiling, and just being...was such a gift. Her sweet, sweet smile makes me remember why we FIAT mentors are a part of this community of sister souls : They remind us of what it is like to experience pure child-like joy!

So with all that said...I encourage anyone who is just feeling "blah". Grab a child, put on some cajun' swing [ or salsa ;) ], take off your shoes, get to dancin', make some air instruments [ any instrument you can think of], flip your hair ( if you don't have any, pretend you do).

Okay, and one more funny thing. I have to share. JJ's. The last couple of times that I've been there, I've asked them to put "Soy sauce" into my drink. I'm not sure why I keep slipping with my words and somehow can't say "soy milk". Anyhow, I've slipped up enough times that now they jokingly say "peaches n' ginger with soy sauce, ready!" or "Dirty chai with soy sauce!", accompanied with a little smile. Haha, I have to laugh out loud at myself. So next time ya'll are at JJ's...order your tea w/ soy sauce --- eeez yummmy.